Chris Young

Sunderland's defence is in line for a overhaul in the final days of the January transfer window.

Centre-half Sebastian Coates is in advanced talks over a move to Portugese side Sporting Lisbon just six months after his £2million switch from Liverpool.

Coates will join Sporting on loan until the end of the season, with reports in Portugal that the deal could be converted into a permanent deal worth more than £3m, if the Uruguayan impresses.

With Coates heading to the exit door, Sunderland have yet again revived their interest in Lorient defender Lamine Kone.

Sunderland have seen two previous moves collapse in this window for Kone, but Lorient have accepted a fresh bid from the Black Cats for the Ivory Coast international, who is now considering whether to move to the Stadium of Light.

Kone might not be the only defensive arrival either, with Sunderland hopeful of agreeing a loan for Arsenal right-back Mathieu Debuchy.